Trayon White To Stand Trial In 2026 On Federal Bribery Charges.

Just eight days after securing re-election, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White attended a status hearing on Wednesday morning, as he faces federal bribery charges. White, who was arrested by the FBI less than three months ago, appeared in court with new legal representation, having switched defense teams late last month. Federal public defenders are now representing him.

During Wednesday’s hearing, a federal judge scheduled White’s trial for January 2026, with jury selection set to begin in December 2025. The details of whether White will appear in person or virtually at future hearings remain unclear.

White’s appearance at the hearing coincided with a Tuesday meeting of the city council, where members discussed plans to overhaul the city’s youth rehabilitation agency. This marked the first time White had been inside the Wilson Building since his arrest in August. Despite the legal challenges, White had a decisive victory on election night, winning re-election just weeks after his FBI arrest.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has accused White of agreeing to accept $156,000 in bribes in exchange for steering city contracts to specific businesses. The charges have placed White under intense scrutiny, but it is still unclear how the case will unfold as his trial approaches. With the trial not set to begin until early 2026, White’s legal battle will continue to hang over his political career for the foreseeable future.